Gerontology, Graduate Certificate (Interior Design)
Graduate Certificate in Gerontology with a Concentration in Interior Design

University of Nebraska at Omaha
Overview
Admissions and Requirements
Courses You’ll Take
Tuition & Fees
Program Overview
The online Gerontology (Interior Design), Graduate Certificate provides students with an understanding of the relationship between the design of the built environment and its aging occupants. The program is offered in cooperation by the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), Department of Gerontology and University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) College of Architecture Interior Design program.
Students of the Gerontology (Interior Design), Graduate Certificate online program will gain:
- A multidisciplinary education in the biological, psychological and social aspects of aging
- Knowledge of the resources available to improve the lives of older adults and to promote aging in place
- An opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of aging through the practicum
- Exposure to innovative research in aging, including the study of brain changes with age
- Marketability as students are trained in the gerontology and interior design disciplines
- Development of the Courage to Care
The program is offered 100% online and can be completed fully at a distance. Courses are asynchronous, meaning the student and instructor may access the content at any time and do not need to be available at a specific time. The program has embraced online learning as a reflection of the 21st century, and this program offers students a convenient, thought-provoking way of learning about the aging experience.
The UNO Department of Gerontology conducts relevant research in conjunction with local and federal agencies that serve the public and its changing needs. Research areas include caregiving, cognitive health and functioning, and public policy and planning.
This certificate allows professionals the ability to acquire focused training in the area of gerontology and design in preparation for the growing needs of an aging population.
Career Outlook: It is estimated that the population of persons 65 years of age and older will increase from 40 million in 2010 to 88 million in 2050, according to the U.S. Administration on Aging. The shift demands qualified professionals who can address the impact of individuals with training in this age group will have.
The Gerontology (Interior Design), Graduate Certificate allows professionals the ability to acquire focused training in the area of gerontology and pursue careers such as:
- Senior Housing Professionals
- Architects
- Engineers
- Interior Designers
- Realtors
- Government Services Administrators
- Hospital and Nursing Administrators
- Health Care Workers
- Code Officials
Admissions and Requirements
To be accepted to this program, you must have:
A Bachelor's degree
3 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
Taken the TOEFL or IELTS
(Only required if English is not your native language)
Official transcripts from all previous schools
NOTE: This program is authorized, exempt, or not subject to state regulatory compliance and may enroll students from all 50 states
To apply to this program:
- Complete and submit the online application for admissions
- Pay the $45 non-refundable application fee
- Submit separate application to academic department
Courses You’ll Take
Core Courses
Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
---|---|---|
GERO 9110-850 | Applied Social Gerontology | 3 |
An overview of social gerontology with an emphasis on the interplay between social, psychological and physical elements in later life. Restricted to graduate students only; required of gerontology students. | ||
GERO 9110 | Applied Social Gerontology | 3 |
An overview of social gerontology with an emphasis on the social, psychological and physical elements in later life. | ||
GERO 8526 | Senior Housing | 3 |
This course focuses on various living environments available to older adults, and provides information that will help in the choosing of an appropriate living situation other than the family home. |
Elective Courses
Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
---|---|---|
IDES 891 | Suburban Housing | 3 |
Group investigation of a topic in interior design originated by instructor. | ||
IDES 831 | Advanced Color Theory | 3 |
Advanced color theories and their application to the Built environment. | ||
GERO 8516 | Long Term Care Administration | 3 |
An examination of policy, models, design and other issues association with the administration of community-based and institutional programs of long-term care. | ||
IDES 891 | Human Behavior and Wayfinding | 3 |
Group investigation of a topic in interior design originated by instructor. | ||
GERO 8556 | Health Aspects of Aging | 3 |
This course emphasizes health promotion for older adults. Special health needs of older Americans are compared and contrasted with health needs for other age groups. Prevention or delaying of chronic diseases and disorders are emphasized. | ||
IDES 886 | Evolving Issues in Design | 3 |
Contemporary and controversial issues. Nuances of the field and practice of interior design and its relationship to the allied design disciplines. | ||
GERO 8726 | Baby Boomers and the 21st Century | 3 |
Marketing decisions and strategies apply to all businesses and are influenced by the target market. The economic realities and the character of America will change due to shifting demographics of baby boomers. Businesses that understand the power of the baby boomers will succeed; failure to understand that power may lead to economic consequences. Students from many disciplines will benefit from this cross-referenced course blending the realities of gerontology with the predictions of baby boomer behavior and the resulting impact to all businesses. | ||
IDES 891 | Design of Senior Housing | 3 |
Group investigation of a topic in interior design originated by instructor. | ||
ARCH 597/897 | Evidence Based Design | 3 |
Group investigation of a topic in architecture originated by the instructor. | ||
IDES 891 | Theories of Health Design | 3 |
Group investigation of a topic in interior design originated by instructor. | ||
IDES 858 | The Changing Workplace | 3 |
Prereq: Permission
Survey of theory, methods, research and findings from the social and behavioral sciences as they relate to architectural design, interior design, and regional and community planning. Application of principles to architectural and interiors programs, designs, and the planning process.
Cross-listed as ARCH 558/858 |
Tuition & Fees
Nebraska Residents
Per Credit Hour
- Tuition
- $375.00
- Fees
- $52.25
- Total
- $427.25
3 Credit Hours
- Tuition
- $1125.00
- Fees
- $156.75
- Total
- $1281.75
Out of State Residents
Per Credit Hour
- Tuition
- $617.00
- Fees
- $52.25
- Total
- $669.25
3 Credit Hours
- Tuition
- $1851.00
- Fees
- $156.75
- Total
- $2007.75
About Faculty
University of Nebraska online courses are taught by expert faculty who embody the qualities resulting from research experience and professional/field experience. Students learn from faculty with a variety of backgrounds, many of whom are published researchers in their fields. NU faculty who teach online do so in a way that optimizes learning within the online modality and because technology enables students to access education they may otherwise may not be able to pursue.
Application Deadlines
Rolling admissions. Application review will begin upon receipt of all required application materials.